Importance: This study highlights the adjunctive value of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in the management of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Background: To evaluate the effects of LLLT treatment on clinical measures of dry eye related to MGD in patients unresponsive to previous therapies. Design: A retrospective chart review of patients treated at one site. Participants: Fifty eyes of 25 treated patients who were documented treatment failures with previous pharmaceuticals and/or devices were evaluated. Methods: LLLT treatment consisted of 3 treatments in one week, with adjunct use of a topical steroid/antibiotic combination. The post-treatment diagnostic measures had to have been made 3 to 5 weeks after the last LLLT treatment. Main Outcome Measures: Results included changes in the graded MGD score (grading scale 0-4), tear breakup time (TBUT), an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire score and lissamine green (LG) staining. Results: Significant improvements in the mean OSDI score (p = 0.002), MGD grading (p < 0.001), TBUT (p < 0.001) and both nasal and temporal LG staining (p < 0.02) were observed after treatment. An MGD grade reduction of 1 or more was observed in 72% of eyes (36/50), and 2 or more in 32% of eyes (16/50). There were no ocular or facial adverse events or side effects related to the treatment. Conclusion: The application of LLLT over a short series of sessions for the treatment of MGD appeared to be beneficial in the majority of patients who had failed to improve with alternative pharmaceutical and device interventions.
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